External Relations Internship

VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Since 1950, the agency has helped tens of millions of people restart their lives. Today, a staff of more than 9,300 people in 123 countries continues to help and protect millions of refugees, returnees, internally displaced and stateless people.  UNHCR provides lifesaving assistance, protection, shelter, food, clean water, education and medical care to some of the world’s most vulnerable. UNHCR also provides assistance to refugees who want to return home when it is safe, integrating refugees with their local host country or resettling to a third country when returning to the country of origin is no longer an option.   Non-governmental organization (NGO) partners work with UNHCR to assist and protect refugees and internally displaced people in over 123 countries around the globe.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's Regional Representation in Washington, D.C., seeks a volunteer intern to assist in its External Relations (ER) department. The ER team provides information to the US Government and civil society on UNHCR’s response to refugee crises around the world, providing the latest information on its protection and assistance activities.  The unit also represents UNHCR programs and needs to Congressional and administrative offices concerned with refugee assistance and solutions for refugee situations.

External Relations & Government Affairs Internship

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Monitor Congressional activities regarding refugees, asylum seekers and overseas assistance
• Attend relevant Congressional hearings and prepare summaries of content
• Attend refugee briefings by NGOs and think tanks and prepare brief analyses of relevant information
• Research and respond to information requests from the US government and NGOs
• Prepare informational memos for briefings and meetings for senior UNHCR staff
• Assist in the publication of newsletter (writing & editing)
• Administrative duties as needed

Qualifications and Experience:

It is essential that interns possess a superior command of English with excellent written and oral communication skills. An understanding of the Congressional legislative process is very helpful. Knowledge of international affairs and refugee situations are highly desirable. Excellent PowerPoint, Microsoft word and editing skills are highly desired.

Duration:

Both full and part time internships are available, with a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Upcoming Deadline for Applications:   Spring Semester: Friday November 11, 2016 (Internship starts in early January 2017)

Applications:

Applications must be complete or they will not be considered. Please send resume, cover letter and a brief writing sample (no more than 2 pages) and dates of availability to the External Relations Intern Coordinator [email protected] 

Thank you very much for your interest in working with UNHCR

Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unfortunately only able to contact applicants who will be interviewed.